A student, a staff member and graduates of the School of Visual Arts are among more than 1700 artists vying for a total of $560,000 in prizes in the world’s largest public vote art competition.

ArtPrize opened yesterday with more than 1500 entries in 161 venues across Grand Rapids, Michigan. Members of the public are invited to vote for their favourites; round one will continue through September 29, when 10 finalists will advance to a five-day second round.